Kaepernick and Crabtree slowly, but surely, help 49ers by Cards

After they didn’t show up for the first quarter Sunday, things brightened considerably for the 49ers.

Now they don’t have to show up for the first round of the playoffs.

San Francisco shook off a sluggish start and dismissed the hapless Cardinals 27-13 in their regular-season finale to claim their second straight NFC West division title. Then, roughly 30 minutes after the victory, the television-watching 49ers celebrated again in the locker room when the Vikings beat the Packers 37-34 on a last-second field goal.

With Minnesota’s win, the 49ers earned the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. They will host a divisional playoff game at 5 p.m. on Jan. 12 at Candlestick Park.

How big a deal is a bye after eight straight weeks of NFL action?

“I need it,” center Jonathan Goodwin said. “I think I have about 20 bruises on my body right now. And I’m not exaggerating.”

The locker-room roar that erupted when Minnesota’s Blair Walsh drilled a 29-yard field goal late Sunday afternoon contrasted sharply with the silence at Candlestick during a desultory opening by the home team.

After 16 minutes, Arizona (5-11) led 6-0 and had outgained the 49ers 134 yards to 15.

Considering the Cardinals’ 32nd-ranked offense entered with a who’s-that cast featuring quarterback Brian Hoyer and running back William Powell, both making their first career starts, it appeared the 49ers would remain forever toothless with All-Pro tackle Justin Smith sidelined by a partially torn triceps.

After that fall into an early hole, though, defensive tackle Ray McDonald said he and his teammates were awakened by a realization: They could actually lose to a team that entered with 10 losses in its past 11 games.

“We were like ‘Man, we’ve got to win this game,’ ” McDonald said. “It’s going to be on our backs. The offense is depending on us to get some stops.”

The defense did its part: After its promising start, Arizona managed 128 yards and five first downs in the game’s final 44 minutes. The Cardinals didn’t score again until a 37-yard garbage-time touchdown pass from Hoyer to Michael Floyd with 1:59 left.

Meanwhile, the 49ers’ offense, which went three-and-out on its first three possessions and drew a derisive cheer when it managed its initial first down in the second quarter, found its rhythm.

With just two wide receivers available with more than two catches this season, it appeared quarterback Colin Kaepernick might struggle from a lack of pass-catching options. But he eventually discovered a solution: Fling it to Michael Crabtree.

The fourth-year wide receiver had eight catches for a career-high 172 yards and two touchdowns. His yardage total was the most by a Niner since Terrell Owens had 191 on Nov. 3, 2002. Crabtree (1,105 yards) also became the first 49er to post a 1,000-yard season since Owens did so in 2003.

Crabtree had 548 receiving yards – roughly half of his season total – in Kaepernick’s final five starts.

“My dude made it happen,” Crabtree said, referring to the second-year quarterback. “I’m just going out there, running routes, catching the ball until I make a play.”

Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt had seen enough of Crabtree’s running Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson ragged. In two games against the Cardinals, Crabtree had 13 catches, 244 yards and four touchdowns.

“He’s a good player, at least in the games that he’s played against us,” Whisenhunt said. “But Patrick hasn’t played very well against him either. It seems like we can’t tackle that guy.”

Thanks, in part, to Crabtree’s performance, the 49ers’ ugly opening was largely forgotten in a celebratory locker room. When the game began, it appeared the 49ers would stumble into the postseason, but three hours later they were assured of entering the playoffs rested.

For that, tight end Delanie Walker offered a heartfelt message to the Vikings.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) before an NFL...football game against the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco, Sunday,...Dec. 30, 2012.

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Stephen Lam / Special to The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers dressed like Wide receiver Michael Crabtree fans celebrate the Niners win in the stands following the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers dressed like Wide receiver Michael Crabtree fans celebrate the Niners win in the stands following the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers dressed like Wide receiver Michael Crabtree fans...celebrate the Niners win in the stands following the San Francisco...49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San...Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (90) throws his shoe into the stands following the San Francisco 49ers win over the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (90) throws his shoe into the stands following the San Francisco 49ers win over the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (90) throws his...shoe into the stands following the San Francisco 49ers win over the...Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on...Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) in the fourth quarter...of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at...Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30,...2012.

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Tony Avelar / Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller (49) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals free safety Kerry Rhodes (25) during the second half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller (49) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals free safety Kerry Rhodes (25) during the second half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller (49) is tackled by Arizona...Cardinals free safety Kerry Rhodes (25) during the second half of an...NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) forces a fumble by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) forces a fumble by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) forces a fumble...by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) in the fourth...quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals...at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30,...2012.

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Stephen Lam / Special to The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Alex Smith (11) comes in to relieve Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Alex Smith (11) comes in to relieve Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Alex Smith (11) comes in to relieve...Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the fourth quarter of the San...Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park...in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) and Cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) recover a fumble in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) and Cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) recover a fumble in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) and Cornerback Carlos Rogers (22)...recover a fumble in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game...against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,...Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers celebrate in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers celebrate in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers celebrate in the fourth quarter of the San...Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park...in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Kicker David Akers (2) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Kicker David Akers (2) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Kicker David Akers (2) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco...49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San...Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) intercepts a pass intended for wide...receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) in the fourth quarter of the San...Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park...in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Randall Benton / Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is tackled after a long gain during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is tackled after a long gain during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is tackled...after a long gain during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at...Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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Randall Benton / Associated Press

49ers' wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a pass with one hand during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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49ers' wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a pass with one hand during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

49ers' wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a pass with one...hand during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at...Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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Randall Benton / Associated Press

Fans cheer as 49ers' running back Frank Gore (21) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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Fans cheer as 49ers' running back Frank Gore (21) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

Fans cheer as 49ers' running back Frank Gore (21) leaves the field...after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at...Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Fans sit and watch during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Fans sit and watch during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Fans sit and watch during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers...game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San...Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders perform during the first half of an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders perform during the first half of an...NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona...Cardinals in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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Randall Benton / Associated Press

Fans cheer as 49ers' quarterback Alex Smith (11) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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Fans cheer as 49ers' quarterback Alex Smith (11) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

Fans cheer as 49ers' quarterback Alex Smith (11) leaves the field...after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at...Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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Randall Benton / Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is caught near the end zone by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson (24) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Francisco. The 49ers won 27-13.

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is caught near the end zone by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson (24) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Francisco. The 49ers won 27-13.

San Francisco 49ers' running back Frank Gore (21) is grabbed by the face mask by a Cardinals' defender during an NFL football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Randall Benton) MANDATORY CREDIT

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San Francisco 49ers' running back Frank Gore (21) is grabbed by the face mask by a Cardinals' defender during an NFL football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Randall Benton) MANDATORY CREDIT

San Francisco 49ers' running back Frank Gore (21) is grabbed by the...face mask by a Cardinals' defender during an NFL football game at...Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP...Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Randall Benton) MANDATORY CREDIT

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Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) talks with wide receiver Randy Moss (84) against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) talks with wide receiver Randy Moss (84) against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) talks with wide...receiver Randy Moss (84) against the Arizona Cardinals during the...second half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30,...2012.

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Associated Press

Cardinals' wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) catches a pass in the end zone for a touch down as 49ers' defensive back Darcel McBath (28) defends during during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Randall Benton) MANDATORY CREDIT

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Cardinals' wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) catches a pass in the end zone for a touch down as 49ers' defensive back Darcel McBath (28) defends during during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Randall Benton) MANDATORY CREDIT

Cardinals' wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) catches a pass in the end...zone for a touch down as 49ers' defensive back Darcel McBath (28)...defends during during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at...Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP...Photo/The Sacramento Bee, Randall Benton) MANDATORY CREDIT

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John Storey / Special to The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers fans celebrate during the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers fans celebrate during the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers fans celebrate during the fourth quarter of the...San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick...Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

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Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco. Perhaps the most important part of the 49ers securing a first-round playoff bye is the extra week of rest for Smith, who is nursing a left triceps injury and missed the final two regular-season games.

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San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco. Perhaps the most important part of the 49ers securing a first-round playoff bye is the extra week of rest for Smith, who is nursing a left triceps injury and missed the final two regular-season games.

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith stands on the...sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the...Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco. Perhaps the most important part of...the 49ers securing a first-round playoff bye is the extra week of rest... for Smith, who is nursing a left triceps injury and missed the final...two regular-season games.

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Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh against the Arizona...Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in San...Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.